Lech de Ciampedel, the disappearing alpine lake

VALLUNGA - In Vallunga, in Val Gardena, there is a small natural jewel that appears only for a few weeks a year: it is the Lech de Ciampedel , a seasonal alpine lake that forms in spring thanks to the thaw and, kissed by the morning sun, offers an enchanting spectacle of turquoise reflections. It is possible to admire it, before it disappears again with the arrival of summer, with a 7-kilometer excursion along a path that leads from Vallunga to the 'canyon valley' in about 45 minutes. Here the tranquil atmosphere, the clear waters and the alpine panorama invite you to stop, take photographs and enjoy the ephemeral magic of this lake. It is also possible to participate in a guided walk every Friday, until it disappears, with the Val Gardena Active Experience program.

But if you don't get to see the lake in time, there are many other equally fascinating bodies of water in Val Gardena that are worth a visit, where crystal-clear water, picnic areas and incredible views offer unique experiences. Among these, the aquatic biotope of Monte Pana , with a Kneipp path, is perfect for families: while the children watch the fish or dive into the cold water, the adults can relax on the wooden deckchairs, enjoying the sun in total tranquility.

On Alpe Mastlé, there is Lech Sant , the largest lake in the area. Its name comes from an ancient legend according to which, in that place, there once stood a church; to punish the farmers who organized profane celebrations there, God unleashed torrential rains that caused the building to collapse and transformed the area into a lake. Reaching it requires about three and a half hours of walking from Santa Cristina, but it is possible to shorten the route using the Col Raiser cable car.

Also on Alpe Mastlé is the Lech da Iman , a glacial lake located at 2,200 metres above sea level, within the Puez-Odle Nature Park: its icy waters offer a refreshing stopover, perfect for relaxing in the sun in an unspoiled environment.

On the Puez Plateau, however, lies Lake Crespëina , approximately 160 metres long and 70 metres wide, also linked to a legend of a dragon that lived there, made harmless thanks to the wooden crosses placed around the body of water by the inhabitants. The lake can be reached after a walk of about three hours from the mountain station of the Dantercepies cable car, following path 2A towards Passo Crespëina and continuing along the spectacular Alta Via number 2, or starting from the Puez Refuge in the direction of Passo Gardena.

In the heart of the Sella Group lies Lake Pisciadù , on whose shores stands the refuge of the same name, open since 1902. The lake can be reached on foot from the Gardena Pass along path number 666, which crosses the Val Setus, or by following the famous and challenging Pisciadù via ferrata.

Finally, among the most mysterious is the Lech dl Dragon , a proglacial lake at 2,680 meters on the Sella massif. Its evocative name is linked to a legend according to which a dragon hid in its waters, emerging only on full moon nights. The lake appears and disappears depending on the weather conditions: in 1970 it disappeared completely, reappeared between 2003 and 2007 and then disappeared again. Today it only shows itself after particularly snowy winters and can be reached in about an hour from the Rifugio Pisciadù, following a challenging and poorly marked path.